Most IB disputes don't come from the commission rate. They come from the small print: a qualification rule nobody explained, a clawback after a client withdraws, or commissions that stop the day the agreement ends. Go through this list before you sign anything.
1. Who you are contracting with
Check the exact legal entity named in the agreement, and compare it with the entity holding the licence you checked. Many broker groups have several companies in different countries, and the one paying you may not be the regulated one. Our guide on checking a broker's regulation shows how to verify this.
2. How commission is defined
For rebates: is it per lot per side or per round turn, and which instruments and account types are included? Gold, indices, crypto and "raw spread" accounts often pay differently. For revenue share: what counts as revenue (spread, commission, swaps), and is it gross or net of costs, bonuses and payment fees?
3. CPA qualification rules
Write down the exact conditions: minimum first deposit, minimum lots, time window, and whether deposits from the same household, IP address or payment card count. Ask what happens if a client qualifies on day 31 of a 30-day window.
4. Payout schedule, method and minimum
How often are you paid (daily, weekly, monthly), by which method, in which currency and with what minimum threshold? Who pays transfer fees? Is commission paid to a trading account, a wallet or a bank account?
5. Clawbacks and negative carry-forward
Can paid commission be taken back, for example if a client charges back a deposit, is found to be fraudulent or withdraws early? For revenue share, are negative months carried forward against your future earnings, and for how long?
6. Client attribution and "ownership"
How is a client linked to you: link, IB code, or manual request? What happens if a client already had an account, or signs up without your link? Can you move an existing client under your IB account, and how long does the broker take to decide?
7. Changes to terms
Look for wording that lets the broker change rates "at any time" or "at its sole discretion". Ask for written notice before any change, ideally 30 days, and the right to end the agreement if you don't accept it.
8. Termination and what happens after
How much notice does each side need to give? After termination, do you keep earning from clients you already introduced (sometimes called "tail" or "lifetime" commission), and for how long? Can the broker end the agreement immediately, and for what reasons?
9. Exclusivity and non-compete
Some agreements stop you from working with other brokers, or from moving your clients to another broker after you leave. Make sure any restriction is limited in time and scope, and that you are paid fairly for accepting it.
10. Marketing rules and approvals
Most brokers require you to use their brand guidelines and risk warnings, and some must approve your content first. Check which countries you may not market to, whether you may run paid search ads on the broker's brand name, and the penalties for breaking these rules. See our guide on forex IB marketing rules.
11. Data protection and client information
What client data will you receive (names, deposits, volumes), and what are you allowed to do with it? Under laws such as the GDPR, both you and the broker have duties when handling personal data.
12. Governing law and disputes
Which country's law applies, and where would a dispute be heard? A contract governed by a far-away jurisdiction can be very expensive to enforce.
Get the deal in writing
If a partner manager promises you a special rate, a higher tier or a faster payout, ask for it in writing: an amendment, an addendum or at least an email from a company address. Verbal promises are hard to rely on later.
Compare terms before you get to the contract
On IB2broker you can compare brokers' commission models, payout frequency and key conditions side by side before you apply, and read reviews from IBs who actually partnered with them. It is free for IBs, and your contact details stay hidden until you choose to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I negotiate an IB agreement?
Often yes, especially once you can show active, long-term clients. Rates, tiers, payout frequency and termination terms are the most commonly negotiated points.
What is a lifetime commission clause?
It means you keep earning from the clients you introduced for as long as they trade, sometimes even after the agreement ends. Check whether it really applies after termination, and whether there are conditions.
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